Self-cleaning flushing valve



Nov. 1, 1927.

P. MUELLER ET AL SELF CLEANING FLUSHING VALVE Filed oct. 1'?, 1925 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented Nv.'1,'1927.

, UNITED STATES PHILIP MUELLER, or DECATUR,

PATENT OFFICE.

Np ANTON o. SCH'UERMANN, DECEASED, LATE oF DECATUR, ILLINOIS, BY HELENA SCI-IIITIERIBIIANN, EXECUTRIX, OF DECATUR, ILLI- NOIS, ASSIGNORS TO ADOLPH MUELLER, TRUSTEE, OF DECATUR, ILLINOIS.

SELF-CLEANING FLUSHING VALVE. l

This invention relates to flushing valves of the direct connected, retarded action type. Valves of this type are designed to receive from a suitable supply and discharge a definite volume of water, and then close automatically the closing movement being retarded to give complete discharge.

One object of this invention is to provide a device for eectively regulating the duration of How While the valve is discharging; and. to provide with positive and effective means for keeping the drain port of the regulatingdevice free from objections; while a further object is to provide a preliminary valve, acting in' conjunction with the flow regulating device, which will function to prevent sudden closing of the main valve.

. In the drawings herewith weliave illusytrated'one embodiment of ourinvention, and

in said drawings:

Fig. 1 isa vertical section of our improved valve.

Fig. 2 is .a sectional plan taken on the line 2 2 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a detail sectional view of the iiow regulating device.

Fig. 4 isa section taken on the line 4 4 of Fig. 3. A

Fig. 5 is a section taken on the line 5 5 of Fig.k 1, looking in the direction of the arrow.

Referring to the drawings, in which like parts are designatedby like reference numbers, 10indicates the valve casing, which has a screw threaded inlet opening ll to which the supply pipe 12 leading from the main or other source of supply of water under pressure is connected, and a screw threaded outlet opening 13 towhich 'is'connected the pipe 14 discharging to a water closet bowl (not shown) or other suitablepoint of discharge. Extending from the inlet 11 isa chamber 15, which is closed at its upper end except 4for a reduced opening 16 having a valve seat 17 at its under side. Formed on the inner wall of the inlet chamber 15, and equidistantly disposed thereabout, are a plurality of radially projecting ribs 18, which extend downwardly from` the valve seat 16 to the lower end of the inlet chamber and serve as guides Afora reciprocating valve 19,

at the same time providing clearance spaces 20 between the valve 19 and the wall of the inlet chamber through which water may L pass.

Extending upwardly from a point below 'the valve seat 16, the casing 10 is enlarged to form a piston chamber or cylinder 21, which partially surrounds the valvev seat and the upper end of the inlet chamber 15, and is provided with a anged upper end, ,screw threaded, as at 22, to receive a'union coupling nut 23, by means of which nut a bonnet 24 is detacliably secured to the casing 11. Formed in the wall of the casing 10 is a water passage way 25 communicating at its lower end with the inlet chamber15, below the valve seat, and extending around the valve seat to the upper endjof the casing 10.' At its upper end said passage 25 communicates with another water passage-way 26 formed in the body of the bonnet 24. The passage-way 26 communicates with an-upwardly extending enlarged valve chamber. 27 axially aligned with the cylinder 21'l` the valve seat 16 and the inletfchamber 15. The

valve chamber 27 has a valve seat 28 against Which a spring closed auxiliary valve 29, A having the actuating handle 30, and adapted, when closed, to exclude Water from the chamber 27 is adapted to seat. Leading from the chamber 27 into the upper end of the cyl-` inder 21 at one side thereof is the passage 3].v ,.A depending lug 32 is formed on the face v of the bonnet 24 which seats in a socket 33, thereby servin to center the parts in assembling and ring the passage way 26 of the bonnet 24 into registry with the passage- .way 25 ofthe casin 10.

Preferably, a lexi le gasket 34, having an opening fitting over the projection 31, and a port 36, so located as to register with the passage-ways 25 and 26, and thus provide a passage from the inlet chamber 15 to the valve seat 28, is interposed as shown toseal the joint between the upper end of the casing 10 and the bonnet 24.

The main valve 19 com rises a cup-shaped incasin member 37, a exible seat'washer 3.8, having in the present instance a conical face, and ametal preliminary valve disk provided with 'the flanged part 39 of the saine I diameter as the valve seat open N16, and an extension 40, of less diameter than the seat opening, wlnch extenslon has 1n its outer face a recess 41.

The main valve stem 42 hasgformed' at its lower end a flange 43 and a reduced extension 44, which extends downwardly from the flange 43, and is screw threaded at-its end to receive a nut or other suitable fastening device. At the upper end of the stem v42 is anothervflange 45 and afscrew threaded projection 46 extending upwardly from the flange 45. In the end of projection 46 is a passage 47, screw threaded at its upper end,

which continues down throu h the stem 42 to terminate in a lateral out et opening 49` below the flange 45, through which may be drained from the upper part into the lower part of the cylinder 21. Y

Each of the main valve members 37, 38 and 39 is centrally apertured so that the reduced extension 44 of the valve stem 42 may curelyl clamped between the preliminary valve 39 and the inner face of the incasing member 37.

The preliminary valve 39, serves a double purpose, in 4thatVfirst, it effects` a gradual throttling of the flow, thus ,preventing water hammering, which would follow the sudden stoppage of the water flowing through the valve under pressure at a high velocity; and, secondly, the diminished supply of water passing about the preliminary valve, after the bowl has been flushed, flows into the bowl and provides the refill for the trap or water seal chamber. The arrangement just described provides a very durable valve; and one which may be readily repaired, as'the seat washer 38, which is the part subjected to greatest wear, may easily be replaced whenfworn.

-Mounted on the screw threaded extension 46 of the valve stem 42 is a flexible cup piston comprising a vmetal disk-like member 51, having formed thereon two or more oppositely disposed depending stop fingers l52, a flexible cup 53 and another metal disk 54, all centrally apertured to fit over the screw threaded projection 46, and clamped together by a nut 55l screw threaded on the end: of the projection 46. As shown in Fig. 1 of the drawing, the member 51 rests against the flange 45 of the stem 42 and the flexible cup 53, which is of such diameter as to close- 1y fit within the cylinder 21, is securely clamped between the' vmetal disks 51 and 54.

rIhe stop fingers 52 are so spaced, diametrically, as to abut the end of the inlet chamber 15 to stop the downward movement of the piston and thus limit the extent of opening of themain valve 19. i

- It will be observed that the construction of the piston is such as to facilitate `the replacement of the flexible cup 53 when itr'becomes worn. Upon removal of the bonnet 24, the piston, valve stem 42 and main valve 19 may be removed from the casing, without difficulty.

In order to regulate thel duration of flow through the main valve seat opening 16, a n

specially constructed regulating; device carried by the valvestem A'4 2 is provided, as shown in Figs. 1, 2, 3 and 4.' In the construction of this regulating device, a casing 57 having inlet ports 58 and a reduced ex tension 59 is provided, which casing is screw threaded into the upper end 46 of the stem 42 and closed by an end wall 60, except for a small outwardly flaring -port 61. An exterior shoulder 63 is formed at the point where the wall of the reduced extension 59 merges into that of the enlarged body of the casing 57. The outer end of this casing i keep this portclear of sediment or foreign matter that may collect ytherein and clog the port. By means of a helical compression spring 70, one end of which rests against the shoulder 63 and the other end against the lower face of the flange 67 the plunger 66 is retracted to withdraw the cleaning pin 69 from the port 61 each time the main valve moves downwardly and is opened. When vthe valve stem 42 moves upwardly to close the main valve the pin 69 will be forced through the port 61 by the plunger 66 striking against the inner face of the bonnet 24, and any sediment or other foreign vmatter lodged, in the port 61 will be forced out into the enlarged flared opening 63 through which it will fall into the outlet passage 49, to be washed away. l

To flush the closet bowl it is necessary only to turn the handle 30, which may be of any desired type, but preferably of the quick compression type, and thus withdraw the auxiliary valve 29 from its seat 28. lWater under pressure willthen flow from the inlet chamber 15 through passage ways 25, 26, port 28, and passage 31, into the cylinder 21 above the flexible piston` cup 53 and. orce the piston downwardly, carrying with it the valve stem 42 through which the main valve 19, by reason of the fact that its area is 4considerably less than that of the piston pipe 14 into the bowl, or other oint of delivery. At the same time the c eaningpin l y 69 having been withdrawn by the spring 70 from thev outlet ort 61 in the bottom of the casing of the ow regulating device, and the auxiliary valve 29 having, through release of handle 30, returned to its seat, the

water trapped in the cylinder 21 above the piston will begin to drain into the casing 57 through the inlet ports 58 and pass through the channels 68 formed between the wall of the reduced part 59 'of the casing and the fiat sides of the triangular shank 68, finally escaping through port 61, lateral opening 49, and pipe 14, into the bowl.V The pressure above the piston is thus gradually relieved to such an extent that the pressure in the inlet chamber 15, aided by the induced suction through the port 16, forces the main valve 19 toward aits seat, the water -cushion above the piston retarding 'such closing movement,since the vwater forming the cushion is forced slowly out through the relatively small drainage port 61, as described. As the extension 40 of the valve enters the opening 16 and -restricts the flow,

the greater volume of water discharged into the bowl, will, through siphona e, befdrawn from the trap of the bowl into lt e pipe leading to the sewer, and the Water remaining will then iiow into the bowl and refill the trap. The ianged part 39 of the preliminary valve then seats in the port 16. and substantially shutsvoil` the How, so thatrthe main valve 19 can not be drawn suddenly to its seat, by suction, with ahiammering "action. Before ,the 'valve 19 reaches its seat the plungerj 66 comes into contact with the bonnet lforces the pin 69 into the port 61,`tl1u`sl not onlyrjemoving any clogging matter therefrom, but also choking the flow through this port to ysuch an extent with a resultant slowing down of the upward movement of the piston, as to aid t-he prelim-i inary valve 89, in retarding the flow through the main valve seat opening 16, so that the valve 19 will? move more slowly to its seat. It will be seen that there is direct cooperative relationship between the preliminary. `valve 39, and the flow regulating device, in

- that they function together. in retarding the closing movement of the main valve 19.

We are aware of the fact that it is old in the art' to employ a wiper rodtofclean'the drain port of the iow regulator. However,

in such structures, it has been customary to make the wiper rod of such length that it would vnot at any time be entirely withdrawn from the port. Such a cleaning device is ineffective, because the wiper rod, remaining always in the drain port, is gradually enlarged bythe accumulation thereof of sediment so that finally it completely fills and closes the port. Obviously, unless the end of the wiper rod is brought to bear against anaccumulation of sediment. or.

other foreign' matter, such matter will adhere tofthe wiper rod and the wall of the port and gradually .lill in between them so as to practically prevent draina e.

In the construction of regu ator herein shown, the cleaning pin 69 is entirel withdrawn from the drain port 6l each time the' main valve is opened and is always effect-ive, to clearr the port yof accumulated matter.

Although we have describediour improved valve in connection with the flushing of water closet bowls, it is to'be understood that the principles of the invention may be embodied in faucets or other valves in which it is necessary or desirable to have the valve deliver a deiinitefquantity of water or other liquid and then close automatically.

It will Jbe understood, further, that a diaphragr'nmaybe used instead of the flexible cu-p piston shown with the same resultsas described in-the foregoing specification, and,

therefore, the term piston inthe claims is to ber regarded as synonymous with diaphragm" L It is obvious that various changes in form, proportions, andminor details of construction, may be resorted to within i the scope of the appended claims.

We claim: v

1. In a valve mechanism, the combination. of a casing havingan inlet chamber and a .piston chamber, a main valve seat between said chambers, a discharge outlet from said piston^ chamber, a piston in said pist-on chamber, a valve controlling said main valve vseat carried by said piston, a by-pass from the inlet chamber to the piston chamber in rear of the piston, .anauxiliary valve in Said by-pass, a drainage passage through Said piston having a reduced outlet port, and means carried by said piston automatically to further reduce said outlet port prior to the complete closing of the main valve.

2. In avalve mechanism, the combination of a casing having an inlet chamber and a piston chamber, a main valve seat between said chambers, a discharge outlet leading from said piston chamber, a piston in said pist-on chamber, a valve controlling said main valve seat carried by said piston, a bypassv from the inlet chamber to the .pist-on chamber in rear of the piston, an auxiliary valve in said by-pass, a drainage passage port, and means carried by said piston and caused by engagement with the casing automatically to enter said port. l

3. In a valve mechanism, the combination of a casing having an inlet chamber and a through said piston having a reduced outlet port, a cleaning pin mounted in said drainage passage in alignment with said outlet port and so disposed as to be forced through said port by Contact with the end of the piston` chamber when the main valve is moved to its seat, and a compression spring for withdrawing said pin from said port when said main' valve vis moved away form its seat.

4. In a valve mechanism, the combination of a casing having an inlet chamber and a piston chamber, a main valve/seat between said chambers, discharge outlet leading "from said piston chamber, a piston in said piston chamber, a/ valve controlling said main valve seat carried by said piston, a bypass from the inletchamber to Ythe piston chamber in`rear 'of the piston, an auxiliary valve in said by-pass, a drainage passage through said piston having a reduced outlet port, a plunger mounted in sai'd, drainage having `a reduced passage, a cleaning pin@ carried by said plunger and operable to clean said port, and a compression spring normally holding said plunger in retracted position with said cleaning pin withdrawn from said outlet port.

5. In a valve mechanism the combination of a casing having an'inlet chamber and a piston chamber, a main valve. seat between said chambers, a discharge outlet leading fromsaid piston chamber, a piston in said `piston chamber, a valve controlling ,said

main valve/seat carried by said piston, a by-pass from the inlet chamber to the piston chamber in rear of the piston, an auxiliary valve in said by-pass, aodrainage passage through said piston having@ reduced 'dutlet port, a cleaning device carried by said piston comprising a casing mounted in said drainage passage and hav1ng a reduced outlet port, a plunger having an abutment mounted in said casing, a cleaning pin in alignment with said outlet port carried by said plunger, a 'compression springl engaging said abutment to hold said plunger 1nl retracted position, and means to engage the opposite face of said abutment and hnnt 6. In a valve mechanism', a headed cylinder, a valve connected piston therein, means.

for forming a water cushion to the rear of the piston upon opening the valve, a reduced outlet iii said piston for the escape of said cushionupon the valve` and piston return, and a reti-active pin. carried by said piston 'and adapted to abut the cylinder head to be forced into said outlet for further reducing the latter prior to the complete return of the valve and piston.

7 In a valve mechanism, the combination of a casing having an inlet chamber and a piston chamber, a main valve seat between said chambers, a piston in said piston chamber, a valve stem carried by said piston, a drainage passage in said valve stem leading from one side of said piston to the other, a casing mounted in said drainage passage having inlet ports and a reduced outlet port, a plunger having a projecting end mounted in said casing, a cleaning pin at the other .end of said plunger in alignment with but normally Withdrawn from said reduced outlet port, an abutment on said'plunger, a compression spring between said abutment and the end of said casing, and a main valve mounted on the oppositeend of said valve stem having ya preliminary section adapted -to enter the main valve seat ahead of the main valve and gradually restrict flow therethroufrh.

8. In a valve mechanism, the combination of a casing having an inlet chamber and a piston chamber, a main valve seat-between said chambers, a discharge outlet leading from said piston cylinder, a piston in said piston chamber, stop means on said piston to .engage a wall of the inlet'chamber, a valve stem carried by said piston, a valve carried by said stem and having a disc section adapted to enter and partially close the said main valve seat ahead of the main valve, a flow regulatingdevice mounted in the end of said valve stem adjacent said piston and having a casing provided with an inlet port and a reduced outlet port, a plunger in said casing having a cleaning pin in alignment with said reduced' outlet port, an abutment on said plunger, and a compression spring for normally holding said plunger in retractexbposition.l

9. In a valve mechanism, the combination of a casing having an inlet chamber and a I' liminary valve section into the port in said PHIILIP MUELLER.- .51 inlet; chamber.

and HELENA CHUERMANN, executrix rof the ceased.

and means to operate" said regulator and're- -last'. will and testament of ANTON C. SGUER- strictlow through said passage substantially MANN, deceased, have hereunto 'set our hands.

simultaneously with the Ientrance of the pre- HELENA SCHERMANN, In testimon wherebf,wePm1.rPMUELLER Eecutrz'm of Anton U. Sclwermann, ae- 

